Summer entertaining should be kept simple and casual so everyone can enjoy themselves. We are finally heading down to our lake house this weekend and are having some of our friends over for a simple dinner. We always entertain simply there but I would like to make it a little bit special for my friends.
Here are some of my favorites for inspiration. I love the farm to table look of this one.
![An Intimate Farm to Table Dinner Party](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3c/15/47/3c1547150ae842f0ebca4ddbd27829a4.jpg)
via stylemepretty.com
Simple greens from your yard and a rustic table runner make this one a snap to copy.
![](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/7a/22/d6/7a22d609ccb173479ee162666f1d31b2.jpg)
http://ruffledblog.com/front-palmer-philadelphia-wedding/
I love the rusticity of this one. It would be at home in a beach house setting as well as the desert.
![entertaining](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/45/e5/d0/45e5d099773d1d24540f46b043cb8694.jpg)
cocokelly.blogspot.com
Any flower “en masse” (whatever is plentiful in your yard) looks fabulous. Hydrangeas are coming out in full force here. They would be equally beautiful.
![Tablescapes](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/09/a9/9a/09a99a649145b59aedeabd807910da7a.jpg)
Another farm to table look from Ina. This would require a little more work but easy simple if you just gather and plop right before your guests are due to arrive.
ina garten
This one too requires a little more effort but again whatever is available from your garden would work.
bluebird productions
![tablescape](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2d/dc/13/2ddc1374ff863e0005c5c7254f82c4cb.jpg)
via oncewed
This one is super easy to replicate and you don’t have to have tons of flowers in your yard to pull it off.
![Nature as inspiration. via kinfolk](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/74/91/3b/74913bc9ac43101a4ce289f6241a044f.jpg)
via sprinkcreekmill.com
What’s prettier than a simple grouping of sunflowers and candles?
![Outdoor summer table with blue and white runner and sunflowers.](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/ef/0f/72/ef0f7250d820d06b3bd5a80682404243.jpg)
stacyharrell.com
This one could be simplified on a small table with just one of these in the center.
![Wooden sailboats float on arrangements of sea blue hydrangeas. Loving the nautical theme...](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/2e/95/2a/2e952ae73559c5294eb14a9422c4ddf1.jpg)
via Colin Cowie Weddings
If you don’t have these gorgeous coral lanterns buy some inexpensive ones at Ikea and paint them, add some coral from your house and some pretty napkins and you are good to go!!
![Ken Gemes - Traditional Home An aqua and coral palette in this lovely tablescape by Ken Gemes for the...](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/03/53/71/035371a554c5e0c65fd6c358aff55b68.jpg)
Are you planning any summer dinner parties? Do you like to keep it simple for summer? What elements do you like to incorporate in your table décor?
Those long tables look so inviting!! Love them! My hydrangeas are blooming now....lots and lots of them. Look forward to gathering a bunch for the tabletop outside. xo
ReplyDeleteWhat variety works best for you in D.C Loi? I hope to see those big bunches on the blog!!
DeleteOh My Lord, girl. You had me with the 1st image. I wanna go to that party !!!
ReplyDeleteJust lovely and all perfect for summer, anywhere
I agree Marsha I just love everything about that one!!
DeleteBeautiful! I want the one with the navy striped tablecloth and the boats. :)
ReplyDeleteKelly it has you written all over it!!
DeleteCindy,
ReplyDeleteThis post is perfectly timed for me. In late July it will be my turn to host good friends at our house for what we call our "birthday group". I have been looking for simple, slightly rustic flower/plant filled table ideas. This just adds to the cache of ideas. Making the final decision is always fun! Thank you.
xo,
Karen
Happy Birthday Group planning Karen. I am sure it will be fabulous!!
DeleteWe are in the middle of a very wet cold winter these these table setting are transporting me to a happier place!
ReplyDeletePlease send that rain here next winter!! Sharon!
DeleteKNIFE RESTS..........I get a kick out of the MEN guessing what they are used for!
ReplyDeleteI know isn't that hilarious!!
DeleteOk, I love them all! Those coral lanterns are amazing—need them now.
ReplyDeletexo, lissy
You need those Lissie!!!
DeleteCindy, The first couple are my favorite and I am definitely using flowers in mass quantities!! My yard is still under construction so I am not able to fine tune my table to create that perfect al fresco dining spot. Flowers and few votive holders are so simple and I try to do that at the very least. The lanterns are so fun and I use them in corners of the yard and deck area:) Have a wonderful day! xxL
ReplyDeleteSummer should be simple...right!!! I had a party once when my pool was just a big hole...everyone loved it...it will get done!!!
DeleteCindy what a fun post. I love looking at pretty tablescapes, especially now when my backyard is a dusty, half planted mess. I'm so sorry to hear about surgery in July, I had no idea. But I will be praying for a quick recovery and I bet you are looking forward to getting it all over with! Have fun at the lakehouse this weekend...:)
ReplyDeletesending you happy wishes,
Thanks Leslie you are a sweetie!!
ReplyDeleteCindy, the first is my favorite too! I'm planning a dinner party in two weeks in honor of my son's graduation. You have inspired me. I hope you will post photos of your weekend at the lake. I'm feeling nostalgic for your beautiful home.
ReplyDeleteI will post on Instagram Celia!!
DeleteIt's great post! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete